Shopping Helper

Partners in Mission Food Bank - 4 Harvey St, Kingston, ON

Do you accept secondary/high school student volunteers? Yes

Do you/would you consider accepting post-secondary student placements?

Location In Person (This position requires attendance in person)

SHOPPING HELPERS Volunteers support PIMFB clients as they select food from pantry shelves. They answer general questions, help clients choose items based on household size, and offer simple suggestions for new foods or cooking ideas. Some volunteers also assist with packing groceries, carrying bags, loading items into vehicles, and returning shopping carts from entry paths or parking areas.

• Kingston, ON
• Starting Immediately
• 3-6hrs / week
• 10 Spots Available of 10
• Suitable For:
  All Ages

Commit to one 3‑hour shift each week, providing consistent support for clients and the pantry team. Apply through our website

Strong communication skills and a friendly demeanor ability to lift, push, and stand for long durations must be tolerant of people of diverse backgrounds, beliefs and lifestyles must be patient and can express compassion. Must be sensitive to the unique needs of those experiencing a mental health or addiction problem ability to work in a team environment and communicate effectively and positively reliability, punctuality, attention to detail, cooperativeness and adherence to safety guidelines and rules are imperative fluent in English;

proficiency in languages other than English is an asset

ACTIVITIES:

• Greeting customers as they arrive to make their food selections
• Assisting customers through the food bank process and ensuring that they are following the guidelines
• Keeping the shopping area neat and tidy
• Answering basic questions and directing PIMFB staff when necessary
• Assisting clients with packing, carrying, loading vehicles and retrieving shopping carts
• Sharing client feedback with PIMFB staff
• Various related tasks as requested by PIMFB staff (i.e., replenish shelves)

WHAT VOLUNTEERS GAIN:

• Build strong communication and people skills
• Patience empathy, patience and customer service experience
• Gain insight into food insecurity and commuity needs
• Strengthen teamwork, organization and problem- solving abilities
• Add meaningful experience to resumes or school applications
• Feel a sense of purpose by directly helping local families